Nearly 19,000 overdose deaths in 2014 were attributed to prescription pain relievers, and more than 10,000 overdose deaths were attributed to heroin in the same year. Nevada ranks second in the country for units prescribed per 100,000 patients for hydrocodone and oxycodone. Many overdose deaths occur in the presence of others and can be prevented.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act of 2015 (Senate Bill 459, Chapter 26, Statutes of Nevada 2015 NRS 453C.120) created various provisions addressing the opiate overdose epidemic that continues to claim over 300 lives per year in Nevada. The law prevents punitive actions against health professionals and any person who administers naloxone or calls 911 to assist someone who may be overdosing on opiates. It also provides immunity to persons seeking medical treatment for an opioid overdose for themselves or someone else.
In addition, the law allows greater access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug. Naloxone is available at area pharmacies and can be obtained without a prescription. Costs vary depending on the version of the medication (nasal, auto-injector, or syringe). Family members and friends of those who use prescription pain narcotics or illegal narcotics are now able to obtain the drug and have it available in case of an accidental overdose.
You can find the Nevada Revised Statute here.